I could use some advice

[Highyeena]

My pops isn't too thrilled about me getting a snake, mostly cause he worries I spent a lotta money on him, I did but nothing that left me broke and I did it over a whole month so I would be able to set aside savings as well. But the thing is he doesn't like snakes, he isn't saying it but I get that vibe. He's allowing me to have him and even keep the feeders in the freezer (concealed of course).

I don't think I am gunna unbox the lil dude around him, idk if he'll be home/awake when he arrives so I don't really have to worry, he knows he's arriving but could care less when.

Should I just, keep the snake, enjoy him like I know I will having a neat companion and just not mention him or even talk about him with my old man? I would love if he was as interested as I was in reptiles and I could show him Nick, but I think he would just be unamused.

Again, I am in no way shape or form getting a snake behind his back, he knows I even asked him if I could.

Plus he has a cat, and the only thing he's worried about is my snake eating his cat which I can't see ever happening and I won't allow that cat anywhere near my snake what-so-ever especially since a cat would actually harm my snake. Heck I even spent money getting a good secure lock tank so haha.

Idk, I'm normally not one to be like "Look at my reptile isn't he cool!?" but we live together for now and I don't want him thinking I have some boring killing machine in my room when snakes are actually pretty neat in their own way.

Plus I enjoy caring for them because it's pretty zen building up trust and caring for something like that.

Also, in no way is this to bring my dad down, I love him and respect that people just don't like snakes. That's why I am asking if I should just stay hush hush.

[Bogertophis]

Good question but really, you know your dad more than we do. Since you feel he doesn't like snakes, I'd not go out of my way to show it to him...maybe he'll
get curious some day & ask to see it...I just wouldn't "push" the issue. I find that many men don't like to admit they are afraid of snakes (or anything else), and
instead they'll say they don't like them, or something vague- "we don't get along". Knowing you DO like them, maybe he has toned down what he really feels out
of respect or consideration for you, so again, I wouldn't push it, just be glad he's allowing it, & whatever you do, don't let it ever get loose. (the cat is not the one
at risk, as you know) Some day when you know he's in a good mood, ask if he'd like to see your snake, but don't be too hurt if he says no. Snakes are one of
those things that really test how open-minded someone is able to be. And again, many people were scared by snakes when growing up, when someone else
teased them or they heard "horror stories" & believed them: it's not their fault so be patient, & he may come around? Many people do.

[Highyeena]

Thanks for the reply, I guess I was just worried.

And no worries, as much as escape artists they are I am too worried about him getting out and the cat finding him to not be on top of his security and making sure I am not careless.

[Zincubus]

I'd just enjoy your snake experience alone for the time being ... when everything is running nice and smoothly THEN you could test the water by randomly just mentioning something really nice or interesting about the snake and see how he reacts ...

He may even ask you something about the snake without prompting


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[Cheesenugget]

Keep in mind that expenses should always include the expense of vet care, if and when you need them. Most reptile owners I have met neglect to add that in their budget, especially the new owners. Low and behold, someone brings in their beardie who had stopped eating due to impaction, and the new owner never considered of wanting to or having the money for medical care. I always tell people no matter the species of pet, the upfront costs is only a small fraction of what you will spend plus what you should prepare yourself to spend if an emergency comes up.

With that said, I have family who also do not like snakes like your dad. It is a common theme among us keepers but that is okay. I would tell your dad but don't push it. I always tell strangers and friends and family alike that I have snakes. I leave it up to them to ask me more about them. If they don't, cool. If they do, that is good too. I don't like keeping tarantula as pets (though my husband does and I don't mind them) but I would be annoyed if my husband or others try to convince me otherwise if I just am not interested.

[RickyNY]

As a father I would tell you to keep the snake to yourself, and prevent any mishaps that would cause your dad to tell you to get rid of it. And don't let it escape its enclosure if he's worry about the cat. (Even though we know it would be the cat that kills the snake)
Just count your blessing and be glad your old man is letting you have a snake in His house. With time he might come around and ask about the snake

[Highyeena]

No worries about the vet costs. There is a vet here who sees exotics and works with a wide range of animals due to many years of working with them. He even showed some insurance companies that take reptiles under their coverage that he accepts.

[cletus]

I would keep your head down and just take care of your snake and avoid any drama. Hopefully he warms up to the idea. I was pretty lucky in that my mother let me bring home anything as long as I took care of it.

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[bhsurf4]

My dad lost his place in the hurricane here in Houston last year so he’s been living with me since. He HATES snakes and, although my largest animal is only about 1000g right now and my dad is overweight at 250 lb, and I am 6’5” and close to 220 lbs, he still firmly believes the snake will escape and eat one of us! I don’t mention them or take them out around him and he pretends they don’t exist!

[Bogertophis]

My dad lost his place in the hurricane here in Houston last year so he’s been living with me since. He HATES snakes and, although my largest animal is only about 1000g right now and my dad is overweight at 250 lb, and I am 6’5” and close to 220 lbs, he still firmly believes the snake will escape and eat one of us! I don’t mention them or take them out around him and he pretends they don’t exist!

Yeah, we can't win 'em all over, that's for sure.